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Ex-smoker, Had An Episode Of Breathing Difficulty Which Eased On Kneeling, Later Had Coughing Fit. Possible Causes?
Hi - I woke up with a start at 5am not able to breathe. I m not sure if I was lying on my front or my back. I had to sit/kneel and then actually get out of bed before I was able to get a proper breath. I had a bit of a coughing fit afterwards, but returned to bed. My heart was never racing at all. This has happened a one or twice before, but the difficulty getting breath was worse this time. I am borderline overweight/obese but exercise regularly - 3/4/5 times a week and eat healthy, freshly cooked food 5/6times a week. I m 32 years old, ex-smoker (sometimes I have a few ciggies when I drink though) but generally of pretty good health. I m sure a general checkup is in order, and I plan to have one. I guess I d just like to know what may have caused this?
Thu, 19 Sep 2013
Hi,
You may have suffered a bit of gastric reflux whilst asleep. The acidic fluid can cause a violent coughing fit when it irritates your larynx. If this happens again then I would suggest sleeping in a propped up position rather than flat. I would also suggest mentioning to your doctor at your check-up. Trying an antacid will also help.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger,
MBChB FRCA
You may have suffered a bit of gastric reflux whilst asleep. The acidic fluid can cause a violent coughing fit when it irritates your larynx. If this happens again then I would suggest sleeping in a propped up position rather than flat. I would also suggest mentioning to your doctor at your check-up. Trying an antacid will also help.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger,
MBChB FRCA
I find this answer helpful
Hi
Thanks for the query
From the description you have given it looks like you are having symptoms secondary to a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which simply means that you have been smoking a lot.
Dont worry, please approach a physician for a chest x ray and echo. You will need to be on certain medications which will prevent it
regards
Thanks for the query
From the description you have given it looks like you are having symptoms secondary to a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which simply means that you have been smoking a lot.
Dont worry, please approach a physician for a chest x ray and echo. You will need to be on certain medications which will prevent it
regards
I find this answer helpful
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